Local Coffee Shops: Layton, Clearfield, and Ogden, UT

Let's be honest: Utah isn't famous for its coffee shops--but that doesn't mean you can't find a great one. Here are a few of my favorite coffee shops to kick back and enjoy a great cup of java, a good book, and friendly conversation.

The Barnes and Noble café in Layton is one of my favorite places to grab a coffee, sit back, and relax. It's become something of a weekly ritual: head over with my preschooler for story time, then choose a few books or magazines and hit the café. They have a great selection of Starbucks coffees and specialty brews, plus Harney & Sons teas, pastries, and sandwiches. On the rare occasions that I'm out running errands alone, I love to pop in, browse the books, order a tea or coffee, and lounge in a comfy armchair. Tip: With a Barnes and Noble membership ($26/year) you can save ten percent on all of your purchases, including food and drink in the café.
1780 Woodland Park Drive, Layton (801) 773-9973

Starbucks on Riverdale Road in Ogden is another favorite coffee shop: there's just something about the comfort and familiarity of those signature purple velvet armchairs that draws me in. I like to go to this coffee shop to write (so cliché, but productive every time). The house brew here is a little bitter for my taste, but the iced mochas and the atmosphere are just right. And I love the drive-up window when I'm in a rush. Tip: This is an AT&T wireless hotspot, $2.95 for up to two hours.
1140 W Riverdale Road, Ogden, UT (801) 394-5960

House of Brews is a great little independent coffee, sandwich, and pastry shop at the intersection of Hillfield and Antelope in Layton. Tucked next to Blockbuster, it's one of those hidden gems that manage to stay in business despite being diagonally across the street from a Starbucks. Not surprising, however, once you taste the delicious house blend coffee and tasty, reasonably priced sandwiches. No comfy lounge chairs, but cute little café tables, live music, and a bulletin board where you can drop business cards and event flyers. Tip: Check out the Friday night performances by local acoustic musicians.
1986 North Hillfield Road, Layton, UT (801) 775-8925

The Madbrook Donut Co. in Clearfield has that relaxed, coffee house vibe that can be so hard to find around here. Its quiet atmosphere and unassuming location, just off Antelope Drive in Clearfield, make it a great spot for an afternoon pick-me-up. There are leather couches, bar-height tables, and flat-screen TVs, plus a phenomenal view of the Wasatch Mountains. Madbrook features organically-grown Café Ibis coffee and serves up yummy beverages and sandwiches, but their signature triangle-shaped donuts are the main attraction. It's impossible to pass up one of these delectable donuts--they're big enough to share, and very reasonably priced at under a dollar. Great prices on coffee, too, at just $1.60 for a grandé house blend. Tip: Madbrook also has a convenient drive-up/walk-up window. Closed on Sundays.
540 East 1700 South, Clearfield, UT (801) 614-0222